Wind Turbine Zone Control Using Personnel Detection Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems fail to accurately detect the presence and location of personnel within the turbine, leading to potential safety risks and reduced power production efficiency due to manual operation mode changes that may be forgotten or unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using electromagnetic radiation sensors to define and monitor multiple zones within a wind turbine, determining the presence and identity of personnel, and autonomously controlling operational modes based on their location and activity to ensure safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mode selector system is used to identify personnel presence, then safety is improved, but the system cannot identify specific locations and relies on manual operation which may be forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine is divided into multiple zones (e.g., nacelle zone, tower zone, blade zones) with sensors distributed throughout. This segmentation allows the system to not only detect personnel presence but also identify their specific locations within different zones, resolving the limitation of manual mode selectors that cannot provide location information.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically responds to sensor detections by autonomously adjusting operational modes and disabling/enabling components based on detected personnel locations. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and prevents the problem of operators forgetting to switch modes, as the system self-regulates based on real-time sensor data.
2Extent of automation
If hatch door monitoring is used to detect personnel, then automatic shutdown is achieved, but the system requires extensive wiring and cannot detect people outside hatch areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hatch door switch system with electromagnetic radiation sensors (such as radar or optical sensors) that can detect personnel without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive wiring throughout the turbine structure while maintaining automatic detection and shutdown capabilities, and extends detection coverage to areas beyond hatch doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects personnel presence, determines their specific locations within zones, and triggers appropriate operational mode changes. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-function hatch switch system while reducing overall system complexity and expanding detection coverage throughout the entire turbine.
3Ease of operation
If manual mode selection is required, then operational control is achieved, but power production efficiency is reduced due to potential forgotten shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically adjusts operational modes based on sensor detections without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors personnel locations continuously and autonomously enables or disables components as needed, ensuring both safety and maximum power production when areas are clear, thereby eliminating efficiency losses from forgotten manual shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors about personnel locations and automatically adjusts operational modes in response. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the turbine operates at full capacity when safe and automatically reduces output only when personnel are present in hazardous zones, optimizing both safety and productivity dynamically.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances safety by automatically disabling or restarting turbine components based on personnel presence and identity, reducing the need for manual intervention and maximizing power production by minimizing unnecessary shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
receiving sensor data from at least one electromagnetic radiation sensor arranged to monitor the respective wind turbine zone
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a computer-implemented method of controlling operation of a wind turbine in which a plurality of wind turbine zones are defined. The method comprises, for each of the plurality of wind turbine zones: receiving sensor data from at least one electromagnetic radiation sensor arranged to monitor the respective wind turbine zone; and, determining, based on the received sensor data, whether one or more people are in the respective wind turbine zone. The method comprises selecting an operational mode of the wind turbine based on the determination as to which of the plurality of zones have one or more people therein, and controlling the wind turbine to operate in the selected operational mode.